Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 7/5/2004
Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of July 5, 2004
- The Hague sentences Israel for the illegality of the separation wall, demands removal
The International court of Justice in the Hague yesterday decided unanimously with the consent of its 14 members and abstention of one American judge Thomas Burgintal, the following: Demanding Israel to end the illegal status of the wall and removing it from all Palestinian lands including East Jerusalem and areas surrounding it and compensating persons damaged by the wall. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/10/2004 - Israel rejects the Hague's court decision on the separation wall
Israel yesterday rejected the decision taken by the International Court of Justice against building its separation wall in the West Bank. The Israeli minister of Justice Yusi Lapid said that the " Only decision the Israeli government takes into account is that of the supreme Israeli court," accusing the Hague's court of adopting a prior hostile position against Israel. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/10/2004 - ADC Welcomes ICJ Ruling on Israeli Wall
The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) on Friday welcomed the ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the massive wall structure being constructed by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories. Palestine-USA, Politics, 7/10/2004 - Sits in in Beirut, Amman against the wall of separation
Lebanese and Palestinian civil commissions on Thursday staged a sit- in in front of the UN headquarters in Beirut to protest the "Israeli enemy holding on building the segregation racist wall on the eve of a Consultation view of) the International Court of Justice ) ICJ on it. Regional-Israel, Politics, 7/10/2004 - Egypt: resignation of Obeid and assigning Ahmad Nazif
President Hosni Mubrak of Egypt yesterday authorized the minister of communications Ahmad Nazif to form the new government after the government of Atif Obeid gave its resignation following an emergency meeting for the government lasted for less than half an hour to prepare the statement of resignation, during which Nazif left the headquarters of the Cabinet, 10 minutes before the end of the meeting heading for the Republic's presidency after he was summoned to be there. Egypt, Politics, 7/10/2004 - Azmi Beshara continues his sit in against the wall
Palestinian intellectual Azmi Beshara on Friday underlined the necessity to mass international efforts which halt Israel's building of the segregation wall in the Palestinian territories, warning of such drive consequences. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/10/2004 - Morocco's King, US President Bush call for quick settlement of Sahara issue
King Mohammed VI of Morocco and U.S. President George W. Bush on Thursday called for a quick settlement of the Sahara issue that would pave the way for prosperity in the North West African region of the Maghreb. Morocco-USA, Politics, 7/10/2004 - Washington faces opposition at the UN Security Council, Khartoum warns against repeating the Iraqi crisis
Khartoum warned Washington yesterday from provoking a crisis similar to that in Iraq because of the war in Darfur, stressing that the US threats to impose sanctions on it will only lead to escalating the situation. Sudan-USA, Politics, 7/10/2004 - Al-Qaida refuses the Saudi Amnesty proposal
The "al-Qaida organization in the Arab peninsula " yesterday rejected the pardoning proposed by King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz on June 23 for the wanted Islamists fighters who would announce their redemption within a one month period. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 7/10/2004 - Sheikh Qaradawi retaliates his critics, London will not sue him
Sheikh Youssef Qaradawi reacted in a strong tone, in a sermon he made at London's central mosque yesterday against persons who criticized the visit he is making to Britain. Regional-UK, Politics, 7/10/2004 - Syrian prime minister visits Turkey next Tuesday
Turkish Foreign Ministry has announced that Prime Ministe Naji Otari will pay a three-day business visit to Turkey next Tuesday. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 7/10/2004 - Morocco won't send troops to Iraq, but ready to train Iraqi brothers
Morocco won't send troops to Iraq, but it is ready to "receive Iraqi brothers for security, military or civil defense training," said Moroccan minister delegate for foreign affairs and cooperation, Taib Fassi Fihri. Morocco-Iraq, Politics, 7/10/2004 - On the file of kidnapped in Iraq
Bulgarian announced yesterday it will not change its foreign policy as a result of kidnapping two of its citizens in Iraq. One Iraqi group calling itself " al-Tawhid Wal Jihad " group announced in a video tape giving 24 hours for releasing the Iraqi detainees by the American forces, otherwise the two Bulgarian hostages will be executed. Iraq, Politics, 7/10/2004 - Mercosur hopes to conclude 'preferential accord' with Morocco, President
President of Argentina Nestor Kirchner said Thursday the summit of the common market of the south (Mercosur) hopes to conclude a preferential accord with Morocco. Morocco-Regional, Politics, 7/10/2004 - Four persons killed in a missile attack in Baghdad
A large explosion shook the Iraqi capital Baghdad yesterday evening. News reports said that the explosion which targeted al-Sadeer Novotille hotel resulted in killing four Iraqis, two of them are members of the Iraqi national guards. Iraq, Politics, 7/10/2004 - Rabat, Madrid resolved to curb illegal immigration
Morocco and Spain voiced resolve to curb illegal immigration in a joint communique issued following the visit in Morocco of Spanish state secretary of immigration and emigration, Consuelo Rumi Ibanez. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/10/2004 - Erdogan criticizes Israeli practices against Palestinians Turkey-Israel, Politics, 7/10/2004
- OIC new chief for improving the image of Islam Regional, Politics, 7/10/2004
- Yemen: a reward to arrest al-Houthi Yemen, Politics, 7/10/2004
- Bush praises King's efforts to consolidate democracy in Morocco
US President George W. Bush on Thursday paid homage to Moroccan King's efforts to consolidate democracy and to actions carried out by the sovereign in matters of economic reforms and social progress. Morocco-USA, Politics, 7/9/2004 - Mauritania's bar association faces strong crisis
The pace of crisis overwhelming the bar association in Mauritania since 1997 has escalated in the past days and matters reached the extent of threatening the authorities there because of imprisonment of the chairman of the bar association in Mauritania, Mahfouz Weld Betah, who is recognized by the Arab bar association and the conference of the Franchophony conference. Mauritania, Politics, 7/9/2004 - Al- Ahram the new government is next week
The Egyptian daily al-Ahram said that a new government "will give its constitutional oath before President Muhammad Hosni Mubarak during this week " and that the current prime minister Atef Obeid will occupy " a new post relating to economic issues at the internal and external levels and this position will be linked directly to President Mubarak." Egypt, Politics, 7/9/2004 - Washington renews pressures on Sudan, Blair threatens sanctions
The US said on Wednesday that the Sudanese government has only several days to halt what are called crimes in Darfur, otherwise it will face the first shift of sanctions from the UN Security Council. Sudan-USA, Politics, 7/9/2004 - Yemeni President: al-Houthi is an ill man, mentally abnormal
The Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh described the Yemeni opposition scholar Bader Eddine al-Houthi as " sick and mentally abnormal." This was expressed during the visit the Yemeni president made to the faculty of police and the higher institute for officers. Yemen, Politics, 7/9/2004 - US House likely to vote Morocco-US FTA this month, Representative
The U.S. House of Representatives is likely to vote this month on a newly negotiated free-trade agreement between the United States and Morocco, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee said on Wednesday. Morocco-USA, Politics, 7/9/2004 - Allawi to visit Syria and Iran shortly, the Turkish army warns the Kurds, again
The Turkish army has warned the Kurds of Iraq against the consequences of attempting to change the people's demography in Karkouk, renewing its call on the US to chase the fighters of the Kurdistani Labor Party in northern Iraq, considering that Washington has not succeeded in meeting Ankara's demands to this effect. Iraq-Syria, Politics, 7/9/2004 - Syrian- Turkish relations highlighted
Chairman of the Turkish - Syrian Parliamentarian Friendship Association, Yuksil Jawish Uglo has stressed the remarkable development of the Syrian-Turkish relations particularly following President Bashar al-Assad's visit to Turkey early this year. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 7/9/2004 - Morocco ready to negotiate Sahara issue if its sovereignty is respected, PM
Prime Minister Driss Jettou on Thursday said Morocco accepts to hold negotiations on the Sahara issue should they care for the Kingdom's sovereignty over these southern provinces. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 7/9/2004 - Madrid wants Sahara conflict settlement away from games of circumstantial alliances, Moratinos
Spanish Foreign Minister, Miguel Angel Moratinos, reiterated Thursday Spain's resolve to contribute to the settlement of the Sahara issue away from the "games of circumstantial alliances." Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/9/2004 - Saddam Hussein's lawyers postpone travel, chairman of the court is in Kuwait
The defense commission for the former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein postponed its travel to Baghdad because of the lack of necessary protection for such travel, while a split surfaced among its members over the legitimacy of the special Iraqi court which started trial of Saddam Hussein last week. Iraq, Politics, 7/9/2004 - Beirut's conference of ten years after Beijing
The Executive Secretary of Economy, Social Committee for Western Asia ( ESCWA ) Mervat Tellawi Thursday said woman is the first victim of the armed conflicts and wars. Regional, Politics, 7/9/2004 - Britain makes investigations about Sheikh al-Qardawi
London's police chief said he submitted a file to the British attorney general including some of what he described controversial statements for the Islamic clergy Youssef al-Qaradawi, according to a complaint raised by leaders of the Jewish communities in Britain against the visit al-Qaradawi is making. Regional-UK, Politics, 7/9/2004 - Philippines bans sending workers to Iraq, five American soldiers killed
Number of American soldiers killed yesterday in Iraq increased to five and another Iraqi from the national guard was killed as a result of the intensive missile shelling carried out by gunmen and targeted the headquarters of the Iraqi national guards forces, resulted in destroying the building yesterday. Iraq-Philippines, Politics, 7/9/2004 - Azmi Beshara sit in against the wall in its 6th day
The Palestinian parliamentarian in the Israeli Knesset Azemi Beshara and his colleagues continued their sit in and food strike for the 6th running day in protest of the wall of separation in the West Bank. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/9/2004 - Ten Palestinians killed, five Israelis wounded; International court of Justice discusses the separation wall today
The International Court of Justice which has the Hague as a headquarters will issue today its consultative view over the legality of the separation wall built by Israel in the West Bank. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/9/2004 - Olmert to visit Turkey next Wednesday
One Israeli spokeswoman said that the Israeli deputy premier Ehud Olmert will visit Turkey next Wednesday. The spokeswoman said that Olmert who assumes the post of the ministry of commerce will discuss with his Turkish counterparts economic issues. Israel-Turkey, Politics, 7/9/2004 - Egyptian Ethiopian Friendship Society founded Egypt-Ethiopia, Politics, 7/9/2004
- Moratinos and Peace in the Middle East Spain has stressed commitment to work for achieving peace in the Middle East Regional-European Union, Politics, 7/9/2004
- International organization calls for releasing children detainees in Iraq
The International organization "Save The Children" called on the Danish government to mediate immediately with the coalition forces in Iraq in order to release children detained in the Iraqi jails. Iraq, Politics, 7/8/2004 - The Third Arab Women Journalist conference: issues of concern
The Arab Women's Media Centre (AWMC) held its Third conference in Amman - Jordan, at 26th to 28th June 2004, under HRH patronage of Princess Bassma Bint Talal with the participation of media practitioners and analysts from Jordan and Arab states and Arab Women Journalists living in UK, USA, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Oman, Syria, Kuwait, Tunisia, Algeria, UAE and Yemen, Palestine, and the USA, also UK. Regional, Politics, 7/8/2004 - Lahoud meets Lukashenko on ME peace
Lebanese President Emile Lahoud and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko Wednesday held talks in the Belarusian Capital Minsk on the bilateral relations between both countries, peace process and the situation in Iraq and Palestine. Lebanon-Belarus, Politics, 7/8/2004 - Turkish- Syrian- relations highlighted
Chairman of the Turkish Party of Development and Justice Dnkir Mir Mohammet Furat stressed the deep-rooted relations between Syria and Turkey, calling for developing them. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 7/8/2004 - Royal visit to Washington, new impetus to Morocco-US longstanding relations
The visit of Morocco's King Mohammed VI to the United States, starting this Wednesday, is expected to boost the longstanding relationships between Morocco and the United States as well as bilateral trade. Morocco-USA, Politics, 7/8/2004 - Morocco rejects partial liberation of POWs by separatist movement
The Moroccan Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Minister on Tuesday reiterated Morocco's refusal of "partial" liberations of Moroccan prisoners of War (POW) held captive by the separatist movement "Polisario" in Tindouf, southwestern Algeria. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 7/8/2004 - US: Five Palestinians were convicted over trading with Syria, Libya
One American federal court yesterday convicted five Palestinians under the charge of selling computers illegally to Syria and Libya, the two countries which are considered supporting " terrorism." Regional-USA, Politics, 7/8/2004 - Allawi signed defense and national security law
The field developments in Iraq coincided with the signature of the defending national security law by the prime minister of the Iraqi Interim government Eyad Allawi. The said law gives the government several authorizations including announcing emergency in certain areas of Iraq. Iraq, Politics, 7/8/2004 - One Iraqi group holds a Philippine hostage, threatens killing him; Allawi accuses foreigners of the attacks, vows to crush them
The Interim Iraqi prime minister Eyad Allawi accused what he called foreigners for being behind the attack which targeted the surrounding of the al-Wifaq movement which he presides over in al-Haretheyah area in the downtown of Baghdad. Iraq-Philippines, Politics, 7/8/2004 - Zarqawi: we refused a ransom to rescue Burg Iraq-USA, Politics, 7/8/2004
- Bahrain: Parliamentarians warn of violating the parliament in constitutional amendments
Three Bahraini parliamentarians yesterday warned against the " attempt to eliminate the role played by the parliament " concerning the constitutional matter and called for " a comprehensive national dialogue conference" in order to discuss the " national priorities especially the constitutional subject matter." Bahrain, Politics, 7/7/2004 - President Lahoud interview with a Syrian daily, outlines developments
Lebanese President Emile Lahoud on Tuesday said Arabs have no longer trust in the US as an honest patron of the Middle East peace process and urged the US to reconsider its decisions regarding Syria. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 7/7/2004 - One of al-Houthi main aid killed, Abu Hafs groups threaten to target Yemen
Groups of Abu Hafs al-Masri, which is close to al-Qaida organization, said yesterday in a statement on a web site for it on the Internet of converting Yemen to a " third front" in the war against the Americans in the world after Iraq and Afghanistan. Yemen, Politics, 7/7/2004 - Syrian prime minister to visit Turkey next week
News reports in Damascus said that the Syrian prime minister Naji al-Otari will pay a work visit to Turkey on the 13th of July in order to hold talks with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 7/7/2004 - Sudan lifts restrictions from the moves of relief agencies, African forces in Darfur
Sudan yesterday approved the deployment of 300 soldiers of the African federation forces to protect the observers of the cease fire in remote Darfur area where fighting resulted in displacing some one million persons. Sudan, Politics, 7/7/2004 - Al-Ibraheimi: neighboring states can help Iraq without sending forces
The UN special envoy to Iraq al-Akhdar al-Ibraheimi said in Amman yesterday that the Iraqi officials have the right to be cautious towards the deployment of forces from neighboring states on their own territories. Iraq-Regional, Politics, 7/7/2004 - Blair: Mass destruction weapons might not be found in Iraq
The British prime minister Tony Blair admitted yesterday for the first time that "mass destruction weapons might not be found in Iraq." Iraq-UK, Politics, 7/7/2004 - King Mohammed due in Washington Wednesday
King Mohammed VI of Morocco will pay a "working visit" to the United States starting Wednesday, announced, in Rabat Tuesday, a press release from the Royal Household, protocol and Chancellery. Morocco-USA, Politics, 7/7/2004 - Three American soldiers killed in Iraq, 13 Iraqis in Falluja
One American military spokesman announced yesterday the killing of two marines during what was described as a security operation in al-Anbar province to the west of Iraq on Sunday in which the third died because of his wounds he had in the same operation. Thereby 10 American soldiers in al-Anbar were killed this week. Iraq-USA, Politics, 7/7/2004 - Four marines killed, car explosions
The American army in Iraqi announced today at dawn the killing of four marines on Tuesday during a fighting in al-Anbar governorate to the west of Baghdad. Iraq, Politics, 7/7/2004 - Morocco voices readiness to train Iraqi security forces
Morocco's king Mohammed VI voiced Tuesday in a message to Iraqi prime minister, Iyad Hachem Allawi, readiness to train the Iraqi police and army. Morocco-Iraq, Politics, 7/7/2004 - A British ambassador in Baghdad
The spokeswoman for the British embassy in Baghdad, Victoria Witford announced that Edward Chaplin, the first British ambassador to Iraq since more than one decade arrived yesterday in Baghdad. Iraq-UK, Politics, 7/7/2004 - Berri calls for pressuring Israel to dismantle wall Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 7/7/2004
- Egyptian Newspaper criticizes Israel ' armament policy Egypt-Israel, Politics, 7/7/2004
- Sahara issue is obstacle to UMA process, Party leader Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 7/7/2004
- Syria detains 19 persons under the charge of political party affiliation
The human rights organization in Syria said that the authorities detained 19 persons in Qatana area to the south west of the Syrian capital Damascus, over suspicion they belong to an Islamic party. Syria, Politics, 7/6/2004 - The son of one Saudi academic observes a hunger strike
A judiciary establishment in London said that the son of the Saudi academic Sheikh Saeed Bin al-Zaer started a hunger strike since 6 days in a prison to the south of the Saudi capital in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 7/6/2004 - Butaflika calls on the army not to interfere in politics
The Algerian President Abdul Aziz Butaflika called on the army to abide by its constitutional role in protecting the country's independence, defending its borders and not to interfere in the country's political life. Algeria, Politics, 7/6/2004 - Yemeni forces kill scores of al-Houthi supporters
Yemeni military sources in Saadah province in Yemen said that 40 persons were killed and scores wounded during confrontations which took place during the two past days between the security forces and supporters of the Shiite extremist Hussein al-Houthi in Marran mountain including 10 killed and wounded among the security forces. Yemen, Politics, 7/6/2004 - African federation prepares to send forces to Darfour
The director of the peace and security council in the African federation, Sam Eibok, said that the federation is preparing to send an armed protection force of hundreds of soldiers to the west of Sudan as soon as possible in order to supervise the cease fire between Khartoum and the rebels in the area. Sudan-Regional, Politics, 7/6/2004 - Iranian Spokesman highlights Iran's position
Iranian government spokesman Abdullah Ramadan Zada said Monday his country stood strongly against any aggression or military attack on any country in the world, criticizing the U.S. "warmonger policy" over the past two years and its negative consequences. Iran-Regional, Politics, 7/6/2004 - Lahoud confers with Polish peer
Lebanese President Emile Lahoud Monday said Lebanon had decided to liberate its lands depending on the Lebanese national resistance and the strategic relations with Syria. Lebanon-Poland, Politics, 7/6/2004 - King resolved to boost relations with neighboring Algeria, message
King Mohammed VI of Morocco has voiced resolve to consolidate relations of "good neighborliness, solidarity and cooperation" with Algeria, in a congratulations message to President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on the occasion of his country's independence day (July 5th). Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 7/6/2004 - Morocco respectful of law in counter-terror campaign, Premier
Moroccan Prime Minister, Driss Jettou, said here Monday, Morocco is conducting a merciless campaign against terror but it is keen to use only law as a weapon. Morocco, Politics, 7/6/2004 - Mrs. Asma al-Assad meets with the SAMS assisting commission delegation
Syria's First Lady Asma al-Assad has met with members of the assisting commission in the Syrian- American Medical Society (SAMS), which is considered one of the non- governmental societies outside Syria. Syria, Politics, 7/6/2004 - Bin Ali hopes for a strategic partnership with Washington
The Tunisian President Zine al-Abidin Ben Ali extended a message to his American counterpart George W. Bush on the occasion of the US national Day in which he expressed the hope to elevate relations between the two countries to "a strategic partnership level." Tunisia-USA, Politics, 7/6/2004 - Settlement of Sahara dispute will favor Maghreban integration, Spanish official
Spanish Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Bernardino Leon, on Monday deemed that a settlement of the Moroccan Sahara dispute, known as Western Sahara, will favor the integration of the North African region of the Maghreb. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/6/2004 - US evacuates families of its military men from Bahrain
A spokesman for the fifth American fleet said that families of the American military personnel in Bahrain received official orders to leave the Kingdoms within days amid reports of the possibility of attacks against the Americans. Bahrain-USA, Politics, 7/6/2004 - Iraqi Interim government postpones the issuance of a security law
The Interim Iraqi government yesterday, once again, postponed a security law pertaining to imposing special measures to withstand the deteriorated security conditions in Iraq, but did not disclose the reason behind the new delay. Iraq, Politics, 7/6/2004 - Four Iraqis were killed by an American missile in Falluja
Four Iraqis from Falluja city were killed and other three wounded yesterday evening by a missile fired by one American plane at a house in the city. Iraq, Politics, 7/6/2004 - Occupation forces raid Gaza, discuss separation in Cairo; One al-Aqsa group member killed in an Israeli ambush in Jenin
One member of al-Aqsa group, of the Fatah movement, was killed and other 3 injured in Jenin in clashes with the Israeli occupation forces which incurred in the city. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/6/2004 - Mauritanian party in power 'understands' Morocco's stance over Sahara issue Mauritania-Morocco, Politics, 7/6/2004
- Nasrullah and the Lebanese resistance Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 7/6/2004
- France backs swift conclusion of action plan on Morocco's advanced status Morocco-France, Politics, 7/6/2004
- Al-Assad in Tehran to discuss Iraqi and Palestine files
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad arrived in Tehran on Sunday leading a Syrian delegation to discuss the Iraqi file and the security threats the two countries are facing in light of instability in Iraq as well as developments in the Palestinian territories. Syria-Iran, Politics, 7/5/2004 - On President al-Assad visit to Tehran
Syria's President Bashar al-Assad and his Iranian counterpart President Mohammed Khatami held a meeting in Tehran on Sunday. Syria-Iran, Politics, 7/5/2004 - Allawi government accuses neighboring states of supporting the terrorists: we will not oppose having them attacked by the Americans
The Interim Iraqi government said it will publish during this week evidences to that countries neighboring Iraq gave support to the resistance against the American occupation, noting in particular to Syria and Iran and announced it will not oppose that the American occupation forces will launch operations against these countries from the Iraqi lands. Iraq-Regional, Politics, 7/5/2004 - Morocco, Senegal and Mauritania set up cooperation consultation council
Mauritania, Morocco and Senegal have decided to create a "consultation council of North Atlantic African countries" and open a sea line servicing the three countries, announced on Friday Senegal's president Abdoulaye Wade. Morocco-Regional, Politics, 7/5/2004 - Saleh calls for saving blood, continued confrontations between the Yemeni army and al-Houthi
News reports in Yemen said that clashes between the Yemeni government forces and supporters of Hussein Bader Eddin al-Houthi continued for the 14th successive day in a mountainous area to the northern west of Yemen near the borders with Saudi Arabia. Yemen, Politics, 7/5/2004 - Rebels boycott the Sudanese negotiations in Addis Ababa
Al-Adalah and al-Musawat ( justice and equity) movement which is considered one of the rebel movements against the Sudanese government in Darfour district announced it will boycott the talks due to be organized in the mid of July in Addis Ababa between Khartoum and the Darfour rebels. Sudan, Politics, 7/5/2004 - Greenstock: Chalabi's recommendations were behind bad estimates on the Iraqi resistance; Marine hostage status unkown
The American occupation army said that it has no evidence proving that an armed group had actually executed the American- Lebanese hostage, a member of the American marines in Iraq. Iraq-USA, Politics, 7/5/2004 - Israel denies interrogation of detainees in Iraq
The Israeli cabinet yesterday denied the participation of Israelis in interrogating detainees in Iraq. This was in reaction to statements made by the American woman Gen. officer Ghanis Karbinski, the former official for Abu Ghreib prison, situated to the west of Baghdad. Iraq-Israel, Politics, 7/5/2004 - NGO for release of Moroccans from Tindouf camps set up in London
A group of representatives of European non-governmental organizations set up on Friday in London an international committee for the release of Moroccan prisoners held in the Tndouf camps (southwestern Algeria) by the secessionist Polisario group that claims the separation of Moroccan southern provinces from the rest of Morocco. Morocco-UK, Politics, 7/5/2004 - Swiss Foreign Minister highlights Arab Peace Initiative
Swiss Foreign Minister Mrs. Micheline Calmy-Rey highlighted the Arab peace initiative reached at Beirut 2002 Summit as a firm basis to establish peace in the Middle East and end decades-long Arab-Israeli conflict. Regional-Switzerland, Politics, 7/5/2004 - Libya discloses the readiness of Algerians to attack western targets in Africa
A source close to the European intelligence fighting department disclosed that the Libyan security monitored ten days ago several members of al-Salafeyah group for fighting and call ( al-Dawa' Wal Qital), while carrying out training operations with the aim to carry out armed attacks against western interests in Africa. Libya-Algeria, Politics, 7/5/2004 - El-Baz: Israeli withdrawal from Gaza a step in peacemaking drive
Egypt's Presidential Advisor Osama El-Baz stressed that the proposed Israeli withdrawal from Gaza Strip should be a step in the peacemaking march. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 7/5/2004 - Sharon plays down the Amnesty International decision over the wall; Six Palestinians killed, missiles fell on Israel
The Israeli occupation forces admitted continued falling of missiles at several areas in Israel adjoining Gaza. Israeli sources said that one missile fell near the house of the chairman of Sdeirout settlement and another in an open area near Erez crossing. Two other missiles fell at Shaer Henegieve town. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/5/2004 - On sending Arab and Japanese forces to Iraq Iraq-Regional, Politics, 7/5/2004